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P.K. Subban practices with Predators

Defenseman could play in preseason game Saturday

P.K. Subban practiced with the Nashville Predators for the first time Friday.

Subban, who was sidelined for the start of training camp because of an upper-body injury, was on a pair with Mattias Ekholm.

"I've had some great partners in the past, but he's definitely right up there with the best that I've played with …," Subban told the Predators website. "I'm not sure exactly what the partners are going to become in the regular season, but I'm happy to be playing with him, and I think that training camp is going to be used for us to get a feel for each other and build on that."

Defenseman Ryan Ellis (upper body) also was able to practice. Defenseman Roman Josi was not on hand after playing for Team Europe at the World Cup of Hockey 2016.

"It's just one day of practice; they'll play some exhibition games together and we'll look at it, and take a look at it when Roman comes back too," coach Peter Laviolette said. "I'm sure we'll be able to sort it out … but it's just practice. We'll see what it looks like in games."

Ekholm said he was comfortable playing with Subban.

"He talks a lot out there, he can skate well, he can carry the puck himself, and I liked it," Ekholm said. "It's the first practice; I don't know if that's going to be the case, but if that's so, I definitely like it. I think he's one of the better defensemen in the League, so it's obviously pretty easy to play with him."

Subban was acquired June 29 in a trade with the Montreal Canadiens for defenseman Shea Weber. Subban is expected to play in a preseason game Saturday against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

"It's unfortunate I had to take a couple days off, but [practice] is pretty standard now," he told The Tennessean. "... Looking forward to getting into a game."